The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found no basis to grant higher ratings or establish service connection based on the evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's conditions warranted higher disability ratings under applicable rating criteria, nor was there sufficient evidence to establish service connection for any claimed conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease at L5-S1 with foraminal stenosis, Healed fracture of the left thumb (dominant), Left ankle fusion, Right ankle sprain with arthritis, Residuals of fracture of the left clavicle with post-operative scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 15, 2015
- Citation
- 1502082
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1502082.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's current left and right ankle disabilities did not manifest in service or within one year of discharge, and the only competent opinions to address their etiology weighed against the claims. The diagnoses are considered new and separate conditions unrelated to his service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's left ankle fusion with left calf atrophy is rated as 40 percent disabling, the highest rating available under VA regulations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the residuals of a left ankle fusion meet the criteria for a 30 percent rating.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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